The advantages of Online degrees are not black and white, but shades of grey. Companies and departments that are not allowing employees to be reimbursed for online degrees are missing out on a popular and convenient education format.
They are many good reasons to support online learning. Some of the positives are: More Degree Options; More School Options; Save on Travel Time; Meeting with Learners and Professors from all over the Country.
Online Degree
We don't see articles that list lots of negatives about online degree and online schools. Some of the negatives are problems and concerns and some are outright deceptions. There are suggestions below to check out each of these problems.
o Some universities overload classes and professors are paid per student. The results are less time with a professor. Ask the college representative what is the average number of students per online instructor.
o School may have accreditation problems or financial aid issues. These problems do not show up in your local newspaper because the online school is at the other end of the country. Do an Internet search for the school name to read about any problems or irregularities.
o Online schools may ask for personal information before giving out tuition costs, listing of courses or answering questions. If the information is not on the website and representatives will not answer questions before gaining your personal information (even the Social Security number), look at other online universities. Most schools disclose tuition, courses and admission requirements on the website.
The above are negatives about some online programs. There are other, more serious attempts to lure students into signing up for less than acceptable means.
o School reps say they are "accredited" but the accreditation bureau may be owned by the school's owner or stock holders. Most companies require their employees to attend Regionally Accredited universities and colleges. The Council of Higher Education Accreditation (chea.org) has the listings of regionally accredited schools.
o The online school may be a Diploma Mill (also known as Degree Mill) with a name similar to an established school. CHEA offers information on Diploma Mills at: chea.org/degreemills/frmPaper.htm
o School demands most of the year's tuition upfront and is non-refundable if student quits or does not like the program. Remember that reputable schools do not ask for program costs up front and always have a Drop Schedule that allows you to get tuition back within a certain time.
You and other working professionals may spend thousand on an online degree, or your company will reimburse the costs. Spending some time researching the school to make sure the school meets with the company's criteria, as well as your own, is an important first step to take.
Online Degrees - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
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